The Regina Police Service has released the report of the findings of the most recent “Community Perceptions of the RPS” survey, carried out in Regina last fall. To maintain objectivity and reduce bias, the survey was designed by Dr. Nicholas A. Jones and Dr. Rick Ruddell of the University of Regina, Department of Justice Studies. The telephone survey of 462 Regina residents was conducted by Prairie Research Associates from September 8-28, 2015.
The results of the 2015 community survey show that levels of satisfaction and support for the Regina Police Service have been increasing since data about public perceptions was first collected in 2005. The 2015 results show a higher level of satisfaction than the 2013 survey (which was higher than the 2011 Community Perceptions Survey). In addition to the basic demographic information collected from respondents, the survey solicited responses about the following issues:
- Public information and social media;
- Perceptions of Regina Police visibility/presence;
- Perceptions of trust/confidence in the Regina Police;
- Perceptions of Regina Police Service Contact (Responsiveness);
- Perceptions of crime and fear of crime; and
- Perceptions of quality of service.
The following are some key findings:
- Over four-fifths (80.8%) of the survey respondents ranked the overall quality of service provided by the RPS as very good to excellent.
- Almost four-fifths (79.4%) of respondents reported being highly or very satisfied with the overall level of service provided by the RPS.
- Over four-fifths (81.2%) of respondents somewhat or strongly agreed that the RPS was an organization with integrity and honesty, and 80.4% said the RPS demonstrates professionalism in their work.
- Over three-quarters (77.2%) of respondents somewhat or strongly agreed that the RPS is sensitive to the needs of their ethnic group.
- Nine in ten respondents (90.1%) somewhat or strongly agreed having confidence in calling 911 in emergency situations.
The report’s authors note that in all of the points listed above, the totals for the 2015 survey items were higher than those reported in 2013.
“This survey was done in the midst of unparalleled scrutiny of the policing profession,” said Chief Troy Hagen. “We welcome that; community engagement and feedback is critical to our work and our community’s safety. We are encouraged that the survey results show we are maintaining the public’s trust, but we will not become complacent; we must always strive to improve our service to our citizens.”
The entire survey report can be found at https://www.reginapolice.ca/resource/communitysurvey2015.pdf
